Language Policy

Language in examination

The Swedish Language Act states that the official language is Swedish. What does this mean? Specifically:

How should you use Swedish and English at examination? Are we obliged to implement all procedures concerning the assessment in Swedish if an individual student so desires?

Answer (from KTH:s Language Committee):

KTH is a Swedish government agency whose activities are governed by laws and regulations in Swedish. Course syllabi and other legally binding documents must therefore be in Swedish. English versions of legally binding documents such as course and program syllabi, curricula, protocols, etc. should only be seen as translations without legal effect.

An examination is an exercise of public authority Links to an external site.(In Swedish). Students must always have the right to hand in their answers to an examination in Swedish unless the test concerns knowledge of the language ​​and linguistic terminology, irrespective of which language is mainly used in the teaching. (KTH's Language Policy)

If a course is taught in a language other than Swedish, it must be prescribed in the course catalogue. Students must be informed in advance that another language will be used. This applies even if the essential elements of the course will be given in another language and especially when another language is used in the examination.

If the students have been informed before the start of the course that English will be used for the course, then a student may not require that the exam should be given in Swedish. However, a student cannot be prevented from answering in Swedish and fail because of this.

Assessment decisions are official decisions and must therefore be in Swedish.